![Sample our Engineering & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5933/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Engineering-Tech.jpg"})
Abstract
The main objective of the Steam Cracker is to produce monomers prone to polymerization. The drawback is that polymerization can occur in the Steam Cracker itself. The main monomers fouling precursor is Butadiene. All along the separation process, Butadiene concentration and process temperature change. This implies step changes in polymer structure and fouling level. Several techniques are used to control this fouling, including oxygen ingress control, the use of additives such as antioxidants and free radical scavengers. By a catalytic effect, the metal surfaces can also be a polymerization initiator. The objective of passivation is to modify the Carbon Steel surface into stable magnetite and maghemite. Using electrochemistry to characterize different Carbon Steel samples, we were able to improve our passivation procedure. And when applying metal passivation, we were able to increase run length of Depropanizer reboilers limiting the fouling rate and its impact on operation.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Jean-Pierre Thoret-Bauchet
Jean-Pierre Thoret-Bauchet is a Fouling and Process Treatment specialist and “Technical Assistance and Troubleshooting” manager at the technology division of TotalEnergies. He holds a master’s degree in engineering (chemistry) from Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Lille and a PhD in Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry from Université des Sciences et Techniques de Lille. He is working within TotalEnergies since 1992. He works on fouling problem in petrochemical plants since more than 25 years. He has a vast experience of industrial fouling problems in oil and gas industry.
Lionel Renaud
Lionel Renaud is senior materials & corrosion specialist at the technology division of TotalEnergies. He holds a master’s degree in engineering (electrochemistry and metallurgy) from Grenoble University (Phelma) and a PhD from INSA in Lyon. After working in steel making company (formerly Creusot-Loire Industrie, today Arcelor Mittal Industeel) as stainless steels development manager. He then spent 22 years in chemical industry as materials and corrosion specialist. He joined TotalEnergies in 2016 in the Refining and Chemical Branch. He has vast experience in metallurgy, electrochemistry, process related corrosion issues, and nonmetallic materials.
Ludovic Galliot
Ludovic Galliot is a corrosion engineer at the technology division of TotalEnergies – OneTech. He holds a master’s degree in engineering (material) from Grenoble University engineer school (Polytech Grenoble). His experiences include corrosion research, mainly for refinery & petrochemistry application, corrosion modeling & electrochemistry process improvement (electrolysis, fuel cell, batteries).